Frequently Asked Questions

Minor Home Repair grants are available once every seven years.  Additionally, depending upon the condition of the property and the scope of the repairs required, the applicant may be determined ineligible for this grant. In these cases, a referral to the Major Home Rehabilitation Loan program may be made.

City of Livonia Residents who meet the following requirements:

• Have assets that do not exceed $50,000 (not including home and car)
• Have current homeowner's insurance
• Have property taxes and water bills paid to date
• Meet the current income guidelines as determined by Housing and Urban Development
• Own and occupy their home for at least one year (Land contracts are not permitted)

Total gross annual household income must not exceed the following guidelines and are subject to change annually:

All minor home repair improvements must remedy substandard conditions and/or eliminate a safety hazard. Please be advised that repairs are subject to our ability to retain qualified contractors.

Eligible Improvements

Examples of eligible improvements:

• Accessibility: Install grab bars/hand rails
• Detectors (Smoke and Carbon Monoxide): Installation to Code
• Drains: Identify and repair faulty drains; Cable sewer lines
• Electrical Wiring: Inspect and correct electrical hazards
• Heating Systems: Install humidifiers, thermostats
• Insulation: Installation of insulation
• Lighting: Installation of exterior lights for security purposes
• Masonry:
  • Minor chimney repairs
  • Repair or replace broken masonry
• Plumbing:
  • Garbage disposals, hot water tanks and toilets repaired or replaced when necessary
  • Repair/replace when necessary
  • Check for leaks, rusted pipes
• Roof: Check/repair minor leaks, valleys, and flashing, secure or replace shingles
• Siding: Repairs only; No replacement
• Steps: Replace broken boards, treads
• Windows/Doors: 
  • Install deadbolt locks
  • Repair/replace broken glass/screen
  • Repair/replace exterior doors and storm doors
  • Check all operations

Ineligible Improvements

Examples of ineligible home improvements:

• Appliance: Repair or Replacement
• Concrete: No repairs or replacement of sidewalk, driveway or porches
• Painting

The Housing Rehabilitation Specialist will review and prioritize the needed repairs. Licensed and insured contractor(s) will be contacted for quotes and the lowest responsible bid received will be awarded the contract. Please be advised that repairs are subject to our ability to retain qualified contractors.

Improvements are limited to freestanding, single family dwellings. In the case of condominiums, duplexes, and town homes, common areas of these units will be ineligible for repair. Repairs that are the legal responsibility of the owner-occupant may be completed. Rental units are ineligible for repair.

Repairs completed under the Minor Home Repair Grant Program are paid directly with Community Development Block Grant funds. Grant recipients are notified of the total repair costs. A minimal administrative fee will be collected upon determination of homeowners' program eligibility.

Qualified residents may apply for a Minor Home Repair grant once every seven years.  Additionally, depending upon the condition of the property and the scope of the repairs required, the applicant may be determined ineligible for this grant. In these cases, a referral to the Major Home Rehabilitation Loan program may be made.

Interested homeowners should contact the Livonia Housing Commission Office of Community Development or call them at 734-421-6450, ext. 104 to make an appointment and request an application.

For more information view the Program Brochure (PDF), and the Grant Application (PDF).

In order to apply, the applicant is required to provide the items listed on page three of the application (PDF).These items are necessary in order to qualify the applicant for the program and must be provided at the time of intake. All files will remain confidential. Please call 734-421-6450, ext. 104 to make an appointment and for additional information.

Please be advised that all rules and regulations governing Community Development Programs are subject to change without notice by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the City of Livonia.